Apple Podcasts offers auto-generated transcripts in iOS 17.4

For accessibility and those who want to jump to specific topics in a podcast, iOS 17.4 brings auto-generated transcripts to Apple Podcasts. Creators don’t have to do anything to benefit, but they do have options.

According to Apple, incorporating transcripts into podcasts should be very seamless. Once a creator publishes his new podcast entry, Apple will begin creating a transcript and make it available for publication “immediately.” The company doesn’t hold podcasts on hold for this process, so if someone arrives early enough, they may listen but still not have a transcript.

Once the transcript is available, the Podcast app will highlight each word spoken to help listeners understand the content. If you’re interested in a particular topic, you can also search for specific words or phrases in the transcript and jump to those points within the podcast episode. Automatic transcripts are displayed in English, French, German, and Spanish, but do not cover music lyrics. Transcripts will be available in over 170 countries and territories.

Podcast creators can submit custom transcripts if needed. This may avoid auto-generated errors. Alternatively, authors can wait for the transcript to appear and download, edit, and upload a revised version after the fact. This may be helpful, as Apple warns that crosstalk (such as with multiple speakers) can “limit transcription quality.” Users with content restriction settings turned on will not see transcripts of explicit episodes.

When iOS 17.4 arrives, auto-generated transcripts will appear on every new episode. Apple also says that back catalog episodes will be “added over time.” The company has not confirmed the release date for iOS 17.4, but it is expected to be available in March.

In addition to podcast transcription, iOS 17.4 may bring sideloading, alternative app stores, and custom browser engines to EU users.